Boğaziçi University Takes Action Against Graduate for Protesting Government-Appointed Rector: Insights from the Stockholm Center for Freedom

A recent incident at Istanbul’s Boğaziçi University highlights ongoing tensions between students and government authority. Berat Kaşkaloğlu, a graduate, had his acceptance into a master’s program revoked and was banned from campus after protesting the government’s appointment of a rector during his graduation ceremony, according to T24 news.

Kaşkaloğlu displayed a banner that read, “Government appointed rectors will leave [the university] but we [the students] will stay.” This act led the university to label him as disruptive, resulting in the revocation of his graduate card. This card is crucial as it allows alumni access to campus amenities like libraries and sports facilities.

His master’s application, initially approved, was also canceled. Frustrated by the decision, Kaşkaloğlu plans to take legal action, claiming it is unjust.

Boğaziçi University has been a center of protests since 2021 when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Melih Bulu, a former politician, as rector. This move was perceived as undemocratic, igniting student outrage. Many felt the university should select its leaders through fair elections rather than political appointments.

This situation reflects a troubling trend. Historically, the top candidates for rector were chosen based on faculty votes. However, significant changes followed a failed coup in July 2016. A decree allowed the president to directly appoint rectors, undermining academic freedom and reducing the election process to a mere formality.

According to experts in education policy, this shift has raised concerns about political interference in academic affairs. A report by the Council of Higher Education in Turkey showed a 40% decline in faculty autonomy since these changes were implemented.

Social media reactions to Kaşkaloğlu’s case have been explosive, with many students and supporters rallying under hashtags like #AcademicFreedom and #StandWithBerat, echoing frustrations voiced throughout Turkey’s academic community.

In summary, the conflict at Boğaziçi University is more than just a student protest; it embodies a larger struggle for academic integrity and freedom in Turkey. As the situation unfolds, it could have lasting impacts on how universities operate under governmental influence.

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